Neighbor yells at me over the fence, calling me a pedophile, calls the cops on me. Cops reassure me I can keep flying.

[coldbricks]

Hey everyone,

New York State drone pilot here. I’m looking for some advice on how to handle a situation with my neighbor. I’ve been flying my Mavic 3 Pro from my backyard, fully registered and under Part 107 regulations (I work with the FAA, in fact I work in air traffic ops). Yesterday, out of nowhere, my neighbor, who I’ve never interacted with before, started yelling at me from their side of the fence. They were completely irate, shouting obscenities, calling me a “pedophile,” telling me to “get a hobby,” and saying I was a “creep.” It was bizarre and pretty unsettling, especially with my kids around... I mean, part of it was even almost comical it was so out of nowhere.

I tried to calm things down by inviting them to talk and even offered the contact info for the local FSDO if they wanted to report me. But instead, they escalated it and called the police...

When the officers arrived, I immediately said... Let me guess, it's about the drone? They both kind of rolled their eyes and said.. yes. I explained everything in detail and laid out all the regulations I was following. They were VERY supportive and reassured me I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I also work part-time for the local DOT and I asked them for the local police report number/complaint number ID which he happily provided. It was actually a very pleasant and uneventful meeting with the cops, but nevertheless one could understand why this is a bit disturbing.

For context, I’ve never flown towards their house intentionally—ever. I have probably overflown it a few times over the months, but not anything intentional and I've never once had any desire to have anything to do with that property, that's not why I fly my drone. I am almost always at 400 feet (AGL) with proper LAANC clearance within a busy class C airspace inner ring. Frankly I just don't care.

To be a little bit blunt about it, I'm quite literally a professional, subject matter expert of the FAA National Airspace System. You can get mad, that's fine - but I know what I'm doing.

I always take off over the tree line and head straight to a county park about a quarter mile away, staying within a clear line of sight through my tree line. So honestly, I’m more confused than anything… in fact it almost makes me wonder, what the hell are they hiding over there? But, like I said earlier, I don't really care.

I guess I’ll just keep flying and try to ignore it, but I can’t help feeling uneasy about the whole thing. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? How did you handle it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I should add that I've been flying for months and this is the first time I have ever, ever had anybody react negatively to my drone in my face.Thanks!


The one cop said it best, "some people just freak out at new technology." indeed.

 

[Dronecation]

Hey everyone,

New York State drone pilot here. I’m looking for some advice on how to handle a situation with my neighbor. I’ve been flying my Mavic 3 Pro from my backyard, fully registered and under Part 107 regulations (I work with the FAA, in fact I work in air traffic ops). Yesterday, out of nowhere, my neighbor, who I’ve never interacted with before, started yelling at me from their side of the fence. They were completely irate, shouting obscenities, calling me a “pedophile,” telling me to “get a hobby,” and saying I was a “creep.” It was bizarre and pretty unsettling, especially with my kids around... I mean, part of it was even almost comical it was so out of nowhere.

I tried to calm things down by inviting them to talk and even offered the contact info for the local FSDO if they wanted to report me. But instead, they escalated it and called the police...

When the officers arrived, I immediately said... Let me guess, it's about the drone? They both kind of rolled their eyes and said.. yes. I explained everything in detail and laid out all the regulations I was following. They were VERY supportive and reassured me I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I also work part-time for the local DOT and I asked them for the local police report number/complaint number ID which he happily provided. It was actually a very pleasant and uneventful meeting with the cops, but nevertheless one could understand why this is a bit disturbing.

For context, I’ve never flown towards their house intentionally—ever. I have probably overflown it a few times over the months, but not anything intentional and I've never once had any desire to have anything to do with that property, that's not why I fly my drone. I am almost always at 400 feet (AGL) with proper LAANC clearance within a busy class C airspace inner ring. Frankly I just don't care.

To be a little bit blunt about it, I'm quite literally a professional, subject matter expert of the FAA National Airspace System. You can get mad, that's fine - but I know what I'm doing.

I always take off over the tree line and head straight to a county park about a quarter mile away, staying within a clear line of sight through my tree line. So honestly, I’m more confused than anything… in fact it almost makes me wonder, what the hell are they hiding over there? But, like I said earlier, I don't really care.

I guess I’ll just keep flying and try to ignore it, but I can’t help feeling uneasy about the whole thing. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? How did you handle it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I should add that I've been flying for months and this is the first time I have ever, ever had anybody react negatively to my drone in my face.Thanks!


The one cop said it best, "some people just freak out at new technology." indeed.

Sorry to hear. Try not to let it bother you as will find more Karen's and Kens down the road. Sometimes there is no fixing stupid. Don't let them get under your skin.
Good article here:

Putting the case for drones

Drones are not everyone's cup of tea, and can attract fierce criticism - drone rage - as expressed in HOT's pages last year. Drone enthusiast Nick Emmons thinks much of this is misplaced, as he …

hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk

 

[Cafguy]

Sounds like you have some of the same Professional officers we have here. I think you did the best you could do. You cannot avoid these type of people. If its a 107 flight call the police before you shoot. They will thank you for not having to waste gas on drone calls in your area.
I keep a way to protect myself handy. The Glock corporation makes a nice protection device. BUT if this occurs I simply ALWAYS call the police and tell the Ken or Karen that they are on their way.

 

[GFields]

You handled it very well. I would have asked the police if you could file a disorderly conduct crime against the neighbor who was using such obscenities with children present.

 

[Max Headroom]

You handled it very well. I would have asked the police if you could file a disorderly conduct crime against the neighbor who was using such obscenities with children present.

I was going to post the same when i reads the OP.

Some people moan for the sake of moaning I would have told them to "get a life" if they told me to “get a hobby” there are too many idiots in this world with nothing going on in their lives that have nothing better to do than try to ruin others lives.

 

[kentdavidge]

I asked them for the local police report number/complaint number ID

What is this for?

 

[coldbricks]

What is this for?

My own records - so I have everything in writing. I got the police report.. I just had to submit a FOIL request. Took like a day.

 

[Droning on and on...]

While I generally agree with filinig the disorderly conduct or harassment complaint, I'd hold off unless there is further confrontation.

This was unpleasant, but the neighbor was schooled by the police, and found out you can fly just as you have been. Sounds like a hothead. I'd let sleeping dogs lie at this point and not risk escalation.

I've never had such a hostile confrontation. Pedophile? Please. I think you handled it perfectly.

The only thing to consider in addition is showing them a live view of their house from 400'. The fact that you can't see anything meaningful at that height often turns things around.

 

[Droning on and on...]

I was going to post the same when i reads the OP.

Some people moan for the sake of moaning I would have told them to "get a life" if they told me to “get a hobby” there are too many idiots in this world with nothing going on in their lives that have nothing better to do than try to ruin others lives.

Hey Max, while I totally get how irritating it would be to be told to "get a hobby", it's really the wisest move to always be thinking, "de-escalation".

It will feel good to "hit back" rhetorically. For a minute. However the long, lingering regret that can occur as a result of throwing an accelerant on the fire will not be worth it. Ever.

 

[MS Coast]

Sounds like you have some of the same Professional officers we have here. I think you did the best you could do. You cannot avoid these type of people. If its a 107 flight call the police before you shoot. They will thank you for not having to waste gas on drone calls in your area.
I keep a way to protect myself handy. The Glock corporation makes a nice protection device. BUT if this occurs I simply ALWAYS call the police and tell the Ken or Karen that they are on their way.

If I'm ever become so fearful that I think I have to carry a 9-mm semi-auto pistol when flying my drones, I'll just sell them all and check myself into a managed care facility.

I'm glad the OP handled the situation rationally, without any drama or theatrics.

 

[AMann]

Hate to say it but I’d stop flying there. Or at least do it when you know they aren’t home, or run a lawn mower near the fence to make distracting noises during takeoffs and landings, or get a Agras T-50 and really p him off. But I’m afraid that with this type of neighbor, he is going to call the cops every time you fly and it’s going to get old pretty quick for the police and they won’t be happy.

 

[Cafguy]

If I'm ever become so fearful that I think I have to carry a 9-mm semi-auto pistol when flying my drones, I'll just sell them all and check myself into a managed care facility.

I have a permit to carry a weapon in other states besides California. I don't only carry it when flying my Drones.
I pretty much have it available all the time........... I am not mental .....nor do i feel the need to shoot at someone ( I had enough of that in the Military for one lifetime) BUT I will protect myself and my loved ones. Some behavior presented by these karens can be threatening and I for one will not be assaulted or robbed waiting for the police to arrive!
Remember I said I have NO desire to ever use this weapon BUT I have it because others around Do have this desire and could care less about assaulting me and taking my property. MY 2 Cents.

 

[DanJ]

Too much "internet research" from your neighbour.
Sorry to hear that you have a bad one.

 

[mavic3usa]

^Going to agree with the above which is why I never fly from home. The neighbors do not know I have drones. All these can see is black bags and backpacks going to and from car when parked outside. On occasion I have been known to carry the controller in hand.

You got luckily the cops understood. One day you will have a cop(s) arrive that don't understand so be prepared for that. Anyone who thinks the arriving police will always side with you if you are doing nothing wrong will be even more shocked when it happens to you. You don't know what the caller said. If he told the police you were flying drones and nothing else and the police know this is legal, why not visit the caller and then go home? Why not tell him there is no crime and call us back if you think a crime is being committed? Why do they have to talk to you? Did you motion for them to come over? Police don't have to make contact with you but if the report claims you are doing something wrong, take a look at the report and make sure your name is not on the list as a possible pedo flying a drone in the neighborhood. Too many of those calls won't look good on your record and you *will* end up on a list. Make sure report doesn't say "We made contact with pilot and pilot refused to show video so we left." How do you know the report doesn't say that?

Callers know they have to exaggerate or make up lies to get police to respond and if they can get at least one to side with them, you might be in trouble unless you are ready for it. Keep flying if you want but just be prepared and I think you are because you said you know the drone laws very well (sometimes police don't like that, they are people too and there are many "people" who don't like drones). Make sure you know your rights too when you deal with police, it's not solely about drones and drone laws. There's a thing called "we got a complaint so we are opening an investigation..." which they believe gives them all kinds of ridiculous "rights" that they feel you have to obey.

So my bottom line is you should find out how this went down today so you won't maybe have to deal with it tomorrow after your neighbor has moved away and you're trying to get some sort of clearance and the new AI tags your name and pedo together because of poorly written reports. You said it yourself, you were unnerved by the police, there's a reason for that. Listen to your senses.

 

[MS Coast]

BUT I will protect myself and my loved ones. Some behavior presented by these karens can be threatening and I for one will not be assaulted or robbed waiting for the police to arrive!

Well, I don't recall hearing of any instances where a meddlesome woman committed an assault or robbery against a drone pilot. I see them as more annoying than "threatening" or provoking a defense response.

I'm all in on protecting my loved ones and myself against real threats. Drunk and distracted drivers are a good example of a real threat - 13,524 and 3308 deaths in 2022, respectively. Anti-drone Karens? Not even on my radar.

 

[Phantomrain.org]

I think your missing the bigger Picture.

You could have put a new Deck on your house, which would not have gone over so well. Its not the drone but the Neighbor who is your problem sadly.

Phantomrain.org
Gear to fly in the Rain. Land on the Water and avoid the Neighbors.

 

[Cafguy]

This is the United States you are free to defend whatever you like however you like BUT:
Please do not describe someone as mental because they feel the need to carry some sort of protection for whatever reason and I do not think someone who legally carries a weapon belongs in a mental facility.
HOWEVER This is not a topic for debate on this forum. In fact our post just may get dumped.
You are FREE to do as you feel moral or agreeable to you here in our great Country.
A simple threat will not cause me to show you or anyone a weapon. That is brandishing and is very illegal. if you come at me to strike me....WITH AN OBJECT...All bets are off. Sorry. lesson here: Don't run towards Cafguy screaming and waving a stick. Thats all on the Matter from me!

 

[mavic3usa]

This is the United States you are free to defend whatever you like however you like BUT:
Please do not describe someone as mental because they feel the need to carry some sort of protection for whatever reason and I do not think someone who legally carries a weapon belongs in a mental facility.
HOWEVER This is not a topic for debate on this forum. In fact our post just may get dumped.
You are FREE to do as you feel moral or agreeable to you here in our great Country.
A simple threat will not cause me to show you or anyone a weapon. That is brandishing and is very illegal. if you come at me to strike me....WITH AN OBJECT...All bets are off. Sorry lesson here: Don't run towards Cafguy screaming and waving a stick. Thats all on the Matter from me!

100% agree with you but you should know by now, this can't be explained and shouldn't even be discussed because it cannot be "learned." Not only is it a topic not allowed here but also from experience, you should know by now this will never be accepted by the other side and you and I just need to get used to whatever comes our way. I fight a lot of battles but this isn't one of them because I put up the good fight when we had to and we won and now I hung up that hat and now it times to put it away this topic until we see some red balloons or something; then it's go time.

 

[MS Coast]

This is the United States you are free to defend whatever you like however you like BUT:
Please do not describe someone as mental because they feel the need to carry some sort of protection for whatever reason and I do not think someone who legally carries a weapon belongs in a mental facility.

Hmm, I just searched the thread and you are the only one who had used the word "mental." And a managed care facility is not a mental facility. It's just an old folks home. Perfectly sane old people are welcomed.

Don't run towards Cafguy screaming and waving a stick. Thats all on the Matter from me!

Well, ok then. Let's hope you don't encounter some enthusiastic lacrosse players celebrating a victory.

 

[Rotofiend]

Hate to say it but I’d stop flying there. Or at least do it when you know they aren’t home, or run a lawn mower near the fence to make distracting noises during takeoffs and landings, or get a Agras T-50 and really p him off. But I’m afraid that with this type of neighbor, he is going to call the cops every time you fly and it’s going to get old pretty quick for the police and they won’t be happy.

You might be onto something. Just rent out larger and larger quads every week until you've got one of those 8-rotor hell drones that blow the leaves off tree branches as they fly by . Joking aside though, sounds like toxic neighbors and not worth the trouble!